![Fireworks @ Eurockéennes de Belfort 2013 (9381027087)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/Fireworks_%40_Eurock%C3%A9ennes_de_Belfort_2013_%289381027087%29.jpg)
Fireworks policy in the European Union is aimed at harmonising and standardising the
EU member states
The European Union (EU) is a supranational political and economic union of member states that are located primarily in Europe. The union has a total area of and an estimated total population of about 447million. The EU has often been des ...
' policies on the regulation of production, transportation, sale, consumption and overall safety of
fireworks
Fireworks are a class of Explosive, low explosive Pyrotechnics, pyrotechnic devices used for aesthetic and entertainment purposes. They are most commonly used in fireworks displays (also called a fireworks show or pyrotechnics), combining a l ...
across the
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a supranational political and economic union of member states that are located primarily in Europe. The union has a total area of and an estimated total population of about 447million. The EU has often been des ...
.
History
After a 2003 consultation, the
European Commission
The European Commission (EC) is the executive of the European Union (EU). It operates as a cabinet government, with 27 members of the Commission (informally known as "Commissioners") headed by a President. It includes an administrative body o ...
introduced a proposal for a European guideline to harmonise the international trade in and safety of fireworks on 11 October 2005.
The proposal classified fireworks into four categories on the European level. It stipulated that Category 4 is exclusively meant for professional usage, and that member states are allowed to limit the sale of fireworks to the public concerning the categories 2 and 3. The proposed minimal requirements for age limits can be heightened by the member states.
This led to the 'Pyrotechnic articles' Directive in 2007, which was to be embedded into the member states' laws by 4 January 2010, to be applied by 4 July 2010 to fireworks of category 1, 2 and 3, and to be applied to all other pyrotechnic articles by 4 July 2013. On 12 June 2013, a new 'Pyrotechnic articles' Directive was adopted, which the Member States were to enact in national law by 4 July 2017.
Since 2010,
safety testing of fireworks is required in the entire Union, but companies are allowed to test their products in one member state before importing and selling them in another.
A 2010 document from the
Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment revealed that several fireworks importers in the
Netherlands
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did not yet comply to the new testing regulations, but were not penalised for it, because a number of companies claimed they needed more time to implement the changes and were granted exceptions by the Ministry.
Dream Fireworks owner Frits Pen, who claimed to have had his fireworks tested in
Hungary
Hungary ( hu, Magyarország ) is a landlocked country in Central Europe. Spanning of the Carpathian Basin, it is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Romania to the east and southeast, Serbia to the south, Croatia a ...
for thousands of euros, sued the Ministry for failing to punish his competitors who were allowed to import and sell untested fireworks for free.
In 2014, the Ministry stated that, by then, 80% of the fireworks imported into the Netherlands had a
CE marking
On commercial products, the letters CE (as the logo ) mean that the manufacturer or importer affirms the good's conformity with European health, safety, and environmental protection standards. It is not a quality indicator or a certificatio ...
and were being checked.
Reason
In life, people will set off "fireworks" to express their blessings and joy at certain times (such as New Year), when they enjoy victory, or on festive days, but fireworks are restricted now. The main component of fireworks is gunpowder, which is an inflammable and explosive product. The use of fireworks in large quantities will inevitably cause unnecessary hidden dangers. And the abuse of fireworks is likely to cause harm to people's health and irreversible impact on the environment. The government is concerned that the improper use of fireworks and the defective quality of fireworks will cause people to receive harm from fireworks. In order to avoid this risk and for the health and safety of the people, the European Union has launched a fireworks policy. The fireworks policy does not only stipulate how to set off fireworks but also stipulates the quality of fireworks.
Changes in European Union Fireworks Standards
It is understood that the European Union's import management system for fireworks and firecrackers mainly consists of fireworks directives
EN15947an
CE certificationEN15947is a fireworks safety standard formulated in accordance with the Fireworks Directive and a common mandatory standard of the European Union. According to the relevant EU policies, the imported fireworks products can only be certified b
CEif they meet the requirements o
EN15947 Since 2013, E
CEtesting has been more stringent.
Categorisation of fireworks
Fireworks in the Europe Union are classified into four categories:
* Category F1: fireworks which pose very little danger (such as
sparkler
A sparkler is a type of hand-held firework that burns slowly while emitting bright, intense colored flames, sparks, and other effects.
Sparklers are particularly popular with children. In the United Kingdom, a sparkler is often used by child ...
s), and are intended for use in a closed space, including fireworks intended for use outside residential buildings;
* Category F2: fireworks which pose little danger, and are intended for use outside residential buildings in a closed space;
* Category F3: fireworks which pose average danger, and are intended for use outside residential buildings in a large open space;
* Category F4: fireworks which pose grave danger, and are exclusively intended for persons with specialised knowledge, often called "fireworks for professional usage".
The minimal ages set by the Directive are:
* Category 1: 12 years old
* Category 2: 16 years old
* Category 3: 18 years old
Category F4 fireworks are restricted to professionals throughout the EU. Individual member states are allowed to prohibit the sale, possession and usage of other categories by consumers as well, if they so choose. In
Belgium
Belgium, ; french: Belgique ; german: Belgien officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country in Northwestern Europe. The country is bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, France to th ...
,
Germany
Germany,, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It is the second most populous country in Europe after Russia, and the most populous member state of the European Union. Germany is situated betwe ...
and
Denmark
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...
, amateurs cannot buy category F3; in the
Republic of Ireland
Ireland ( ga, Éire ), also known as the Republic of Ireland (), is a country in north-western Europe consisting of 26 of the 32 counties of the island of Ireland. The capital and largest city is Dublin, on the eastern side of the island. A ...
, they can neither buy category F3 nor F2.
Germany and
France
France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...
have also raised the age for category F2 fireworks from 16 to 18.
Member state policies
The EU's regulations on fireworks are the minimum standards for all member states, but the states are allowed to legislate on additional restrictions within their respective territories.
Belgium
![Feu artifice de la ducasse de Mons](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Feu_artifice_de_la_ducasse_de_Mons.jpg)
Since 5 July 2017, the sale of category F3 fireworks to non-professionals is a criminal offence in
Belgium
Belgium, ; french: Belgique ; german: Belgien officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country in Northwestern Europe. The country is bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, France to th ...
. The non-professional customer needs to be at least 12 years old for category F1 and at least 16 years old for category F2; the vendor is required to verify the customer's age. In
Flanders
Flanders (, ; Dutch: ''Vlaanderen'' ) is the Flemish-speaking northern portion of Belgium and one of the communities, regions and language areas of Belgium. However, there are several overlapping definitions, including ones related to culture, ...
, the ''
Gemeentedecreet'' (Municipal Decree) gives the
308 municipalities of the Flemish Region the authority to introduce a required
licence
A license (or licence) is an official permission or permit to do, use, or own something (as well as the document of that permission or permit).
A license is granted by a party (licensor) to another party (licensee) as an element of an agreeme ...
for lighting fireworks, or to prohibit the ignition of fireworks on certain locations.
Germany
In
Germany
Germany,, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It is the second most populous country in Europe after Russia, and the most populous member state of the European Union. Germany is situated betwe ...
, amateurs over 18 years old are allowed to buy and ignite fireworks of Category F2 for several hours on 31 December and 1 January; each German municipality is authorised to limit the number of hours this may last locally.
The sale of Category F3 and F4 fireworks to consumers is prohibited.
Lighting fireworks is forbidden near churches, hospitals, retirement homes and wooden or thatch-roofed buildings.
All major German cities organise professional fireworks shows.
Finland
In
Finland
Finland ( fi, Suomi ; sv, Finland ), officially the Republic of Finland (; ), is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It shares land borders with Sweden to the northwest, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east, with the Gulf of B ...
those under 18 years old haven't been allowed to buy any fireworks since 2009. Safety goggles are required. The use of fireworks is generally allowed on the evening and night of New Year's Eve, December 31. In some municipalities of Western Finland it is allowed to use fireworks without a fire station's permission on the last weekend of August. With the fire station's permission, fireworks can be used year-round.
Netherlands
Fireworks in the Netherlands are mostly regulated by the ''
Vuurwerkbesluit'' ("Fireworks Decree"), a 1993 law that has subsequently been amended many times to make the rules surrounding the production, testing, transportation, storage, trade, sale, consumption and overall safety of fireworks stricter and in harmony with other EU countries. During most of the year, most fireworks are restricted to usage by professionals, but there is an exception for ordinary citizens without any special training or licence to ignite fireworks during
New Year's Eve
In the Gregorian calendar, New Year's Eve, also known as Old Year's Day or Saint Sylvester's Day in many countries, is the evening or the entire day of the last day of the year, on 31 December. The last day of the year is commonly referred to ...
from 6 pm on 31 December to 2 am on 1 January. Especially since the 2000
Enschede fireworks disaster
The Enschede fireworks disaster was a catastrophic fireworks explosion on 13 May 2000 in Enschede, the Netherlands. The explosion killed 23 people including four firefighters and injured nearly 1,000. A total of 400 homes were destroyed and 1, ...
, and more so since the accident-laden
New Year's Eve
In the Gregorian calendar, New Year's Eve, also known as Old Year's Day or Saint Sylvester's Day in many countries, is the evening or the entire day of the last day of the year, on 31 December. The last day of the year is commonly referred to ...
of 2007/08,
public discussion on more rigorous regulation or even prohibition on (consumer) fireworks has been frequent and ongoing.
Republic of Ireland
![Bray Fireworks (6994413471)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/07/Bray_Fireworks_%286994413471%29.jpg)
In the
Republic of Ireland
Ireland ( ga, Éire ), also known as the Republic of Ireland (), is a country in north-western Europe consisting of 26 of the 32 counties of the island of Ireland. The capital and largest city is Dublin, on the eastern side of the island. A ...
, only category F1 fireworks (such as
sparkler
A sparkler is a type of hand-held firework that burns slowly while emitting bright, intense colored flames, sparks, and other effects.
Sparklers are particularly popular with children. In the United Kingdom, a sparkler is often used by child ...
s) are available for sale, possession and use to amateurs.
This makes Ireland one of the strictest countries in the world when it comes to
consumer fireworks
Consumer fireworks are fireworks sold for use by the general public. They are generally weaker in explosive power than the fireworks used in professional displays.
Examples
Consumer fireworks are often quite small and can be classified into t ...
.
The original law banning ordinary citizens from the purchase of fireworks, the
Explosives Act 1875
The history of fire safety legislation in the United Kingdom formally covers the period from the formation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in 1801 but is founded in the history of such legislation in England and Wales, and Sco ...
, was adopted when the whole island was still part of the
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and North ...
.
Subsequent amendments and additional acts were passed to make the policy even stricter.
For example, because the 1875 Act did not contain a provision on the possession of fireworks,
the law was amended in 2006 to ban amateurs from owning fireworks as well.
A person selling, buying, owning or lighting fireworks from categories F2 to F4 without a licence is now punishable with a fine or even imprisonment. Only
pyrotechnician
Pyrotechnicians are people who are responsible for the safe storage, handling, and functioning of pyrotechnics and pyrotechnic devices. Although the term is generally used in reference to individuals who operate pyrotechnics in the entertainment i ...
s are allowed to ignite such heavier fireworks.
Sweden
In the early 21st century,
Sweden
Sweden, formally the Kingdom of Sweden,The United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names states that the country's formal name is the Kingdom of SwedenUNGEGN World Geographical Names, Sweden./ref> is a Nordic country located on ...
introduced more stringent rules on the use and sales of fireworks. In 2002, firecrackers were banned and in 2014, heavier rockets were banned. In late December 2018, it was announced that from 1 June 2019, skyrockets need to be launched with "control sticks", and anyone buying and lighting skyrockets must complete a special training course set up by the municipalities to obtain a permit; retailers may only sell skyrockets to permit holders. The illegal import and online sale of fireworks were anticipated problems of the new regulations.
Czech Republic
According to 2015 law it is forbidden to fire rockets with more than ten kilograms of explosive substances at a time without license. Under ten kilograms is it not a firework (
de jure
In law and government, ''de jure'' ( ; , "by law") describes practices that are legally recognized, regardless of whether the practice exists in reality. In contrast, ("in fact") describes situations that exist in reality, even if not legally ...
), and the law does not impose any other limitations. No report or permission is needed.
For more than ten kilos of fireworks license and report to the municipal office and a fire brigade is obligatory. The fine for non-compliance is up to half a million crowns, one million crowns for a company. In reality, however, such notifications are minimal, and no one checks how many rakes are actually being fired.
See also
*
European Firearms Directive
Directive (EU) 2021/555 is a legal act of the European Union which sets minimum standards regarding civilian firearms acquisition and possession that EU member states must implement into their national legal systems. It codified Council Directiv ...
*
Fireworks law in the United Kingdom
Fireworks in England, Scotland and Wales are governed primarily by the Fireworks Regulations 2004 (under powers delegated from the Fireworks Act 2003), the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015, and British Standards BS 7114 until 4/ ...
*
Fireworks policy in the United States
Fireworks policy in the United States can be different in each jurisdiction.
Classifications
The United States government has classified fireworks and similar devices according to their potential hazards.
Current explosives classes
The ...
References
{{Reflist
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a supranational political and economic union of member states that are located primarily in Europe. The union has a total area of and an estimated total population of about 447million. The EU has often been des ...
Cultural policies of the European Union
European Union law
Safety in the European Union
Culture of the Republic of Ireland
Law of the Republic of Ireland